Royal Power

By Andrea Blythe Liebman

Myths of ancient past were once again becoming her present, but this time on such a more formidable scale...

Two opposing forces fighting to be king, one of the ancient histories and the other of the modern world.

While Liv remains trapped in an undiscoverable fortress, the Pure and Dark deities begin building armies to champion their own agenda, causing monsters to emerge, curses to arise and unexpected alliances to be forged.

Forced to battle a new, destructive species, the Pure Gods must seek support outside of the world they know. While in pursuit of alliances, secrets of the past surface and mythological civilizations believed to be lost are found. Yet, with every progression, the Pure Gods weave an even deeper web filled with history and the players in the game for power increase twofold.

What once started as a battle between Dark and Pure soon escalates into a royal battle for the world.

And one thing is certain in this powerful, regal society of gods - nothing is fair in love and war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098376109

Book preview

PART ONE

ONE

LIV

You may be immortal and all, but I still cannot fully support this amount of caffeine intake.

The sun was shining brightly; his eyes sparkled deviously.

Liv huffed playfully, taking a dangerous sip from her beverage, daring to push the limits of her ruler’s boundaries. He looked dazzling in a green crewneck sweater and slim denim jeans, accompanied by white and neon yellow sneakers, playing the role of college student miraculously.

I kept my mouth closed for the first two coffee beverages, but a third cold brew… He pressed.

"…Over half a day of exploring and two meals." Liv interjected with a smile.

The trees rustled in the distance. The fresh scent of pine filled her body, reminding her of the many wonders from the earth’s beauty. Similar to her golden, coffee regulator, she too donned an outfit from her past life, a grey hoodie stamped with her college mascot layered beneath a black leather jacket.

You are going to have so much energy by the time the basketball game starts, you will practically be dunking on the court, instead of the team.

So long as they count those earned points toward our school. Liv hummed, her grin slowly growing around the straw clenched between her teeth.

I said, no more coffee.

He flashed a monstrous growl, firmly yanking the cup from her grip and throwing it across the pavilion. Brown liquid stained the sparkling concrete, muting it with disgust.

Liv looked back at her boyfriend, eyes wide.

He had turned again.

He grabbed her arm and ripped Liv from her seat before catapulting her against the tree.

Her body hit the cold stone wall.

Darkness.

No longer was the sun dazzling on her tanned skin but instead a cold fog hovered over her ghostly existence.

She breathed deeply, assessing the damage. Her shoulder had been pulled out of her socket. It was the second time that week.

Or night?

To her, it was all becoming one never-ending nightmare.

Liv tried to ground herself in her surroundings. She felt tired. Weak.

And you were honestly enjoying that pathetic banter? The cruel statement judged from afar.

Where am I? Liv mumbled, trying to see clearly.

Only a blurred vision of darkness could be obscurely identified. It smelled of basil verveina, cedar wood, cardamom and leather.

Her head hurt. She was so cold. She wanted to go back to sleep, return to her dreams of the outside world. Go anywhere from this hell.

"I could not let you escape for too long, Ollie." The softened voice whispered; a hint of dry sarcasm soothed her conscience.

Hayden. He was here. He would rescue her. She was safe.

She would be all right.

Liv exhaled a sigh of relief, trying to minimize the distance between them by lifting herself up. But she fell to the cold, relentless floor. She had been out for too long, drugged too often and tormented too much.

How long had it been?

To her, it felt like eternity, but it was over now.

Thank god you’re finally here. She cried, starting to shake with relief, finally allowing her guard to come down and instead rely on his strength.

She yearned for his warmth. She was so tired.

But Hayden was here. She would be all right.

Oh, Ollie. He purred, "You should not use that descriptor – god - so loosely," before kicking her stomach and knocking her unconscious once again.

PEYTON

I can’t find her. Why am I unable to find her?

Hayden hadn’t stopped pacing in his loft.

It had been two days. His anxiety was starting to make Peyton delusional.

He had already asked this question one hundred times, receiving the same answer in return. But Hayden was her king, and although he was hurting, he was also testing Peyton’s patience.

If only Peyton could convince Hayden to change out of his navy suit and white collared shirt, both worn to exhaustion since Liv’s capture.

With a deep breath, Peyton firmly repeated again, Tristan said Arlo made sure the headquarters would be untraceable, and we suspect with Kronos’s additional support, they’ve ensured that no one will find it, unless you know where it’s located-

And they want you to find it.

A door slammed shut behind her.

Thank Zeus. Peyton huffed, turning to find Tristan with Piper right behind him. Maybe Tristan could pacify Hayden’s growing and almost intolerable restlessness with some intel from his Dark God connections. It had only been a couple weeks since Tristan had publicly declared his loyalty to Liv and the Pure God cause, so she had hoped he would be able to leverage any pre-existing relationships to help them discover where his Element Elite had been taken captive.

Peyton turned to Piper, her eyes mentally demanding she take on their royal highness, Hayden. Ever since Rei had left them the morning before on a mission to secure an army to backup the inevitable rescue, Peyton was slowly joining Hayden’s level of ‘losing her shit entirely,’ because of Hayden’s level of having already lost his shit entirely.

We came back as quickly as we could. Piper squeaked.

Keep your composure. Breathe. Peyton reminded herself. This is not the time to bitch out your friends...

Peyton forced a smile and nodded, finally walking over to greet them.

Thank you.

On the other hand, Hayden had no time for salutations.

I felt her. He whispered, turning to Tristan. I could feel her.

That’s why you summoned us back. Tristan confirmed with a nod.

Two days ago. Hayden hissed. What took you so long!?

"Because we were on the border of Scotland, Tristan explained, unsuccessfully masking his irritation as he sat on the couch. That’s easily a week’s journey for a common deity. We made it back in two days."

Did you run into any Dark Gods? Peyton asked, genuinely concerned. She ran her fingers through her wavy beach blonde hair to ease her apprehension.

She had to recognize her immediate gratitude for Hayden’s anxiety being directed toward new targets. So, Peyton started to make coffee in the kitchen for both of their friends – a journey like that would not have been easy, especially with the current circumstances their world faced between extreme viewpoints of government policy.

Now, it was no longer safe, whether you were a Pure God or a Dark God.

We were able to deter them. Piper confirmed, albeit weakly. She walked over to the crackling fireplace and fell onto the black leather sofa nearby.

Peyton took a better look at Piper, whose midnight bob appeared tousled and stunning navy blazer was ripped into a grungy vest, revealing her silver long-sleeved blouse underneath. Peyton turned to Tristan, her arms crossed over her blue, floral laced dress. He certainly looked less injured in his staple leather jacket and black denim jeans paired with a suspiciously textured, coif hairstyle too relaxed for indifference.

Piper blew them off our path before they could spot us, and made the entire manipulation look natural. Tristan clarified, his voice tired, but with pride sparkling from his eyes.

Peyton and Piper’s eyes both mirrored his dazzle.

My girl!

The clothes’ state is more so from colliding into a tree during the process. Piper admitted embarrassingly.

Peyton laughed, thankful these friends were safe - she could breathe a little lighter, for the time being.

The door opened and slammed again, this time presenting Rei looking worse for the wear. He too, had not rested since Hayden commanded that he rally an army immediately after Liv’s disappearance.

Silas has granted permission for five troops to accompany us on our mission. He bluntly stated, heading straight toward the liquor cabinet.

Clearly everyone was set on testing the "if you don’t love me at my worst…" sentiment, today. Peyton fumed, rolled her eyes and joined Piper on the couch, ignoring Tristan’s speculation.

Over one thousand deities? Tristan’s eyes grew wide, That will slow us down. We need to be able to take them by surprise, slip into their headquarters undetected. He turned back to Hayden, challenging him. Less will be more with this fortress. Unless you want to start another war. And if that’s the case, five troops will not suffice for a full-blown battle.

Rei sighed, as if already anticipating this conflict. He calmly poured himself a whisky and took a deep sip. Peyton felt for him, so stood back up and walked over, massaging his shoulders in support. She hugged him from behind; appreciative for the soft velvet, olive green jacket he wore - she had felt cold and lifeless while standing still and watching over the ghostly Hayden.

There is no way I’m not going. Hayden protested, staring Rei down with exasperated eyes.

Tristan looked confused and turned to Rei for an explanation.

As we discussed, I will not allow the king to journey into Arlo and Kronos’s territory without security. It’s too dangerous. The Security Elite declared, taking another sip of his whisky.

His glass now empty, Rei reached to refill his beverage.

Peyton got to the bottle first, pouring herself a glass before replenishing his. If she had to hear this argument one more time… she needed to be drunk enough to not remember it once she sobered up. Although her time was infinite, her patience for hearing this debate had infinitely dissolved.

I’ve been stuck here doing nothing while they do Zeus knows what to her! Hayden slammed his fist against the pole, breaking it in half.

Piper gasped, watching the beam crack into two, its effects trickling like dominoes as the entire ceiling structure began caving through.

She leaped toward the pole, holding it upright with all of her concentration. Finally, she managed to beg aloud, A little help, please!?

Peyton jogged over immediately, cursing under her breath about babysitting children, before reconstructing the beam. She nodded to Piper, giving permission to relieve the burden of holding the entire loft together, before muttering, A band-aid, until we can get Thyo to repair the infrastructure properly.

But she had enough.

Peyton turned toward her king, skin turning purple as she began to blow up and reprimand him. If you-

Rei had already calmly set down his drink, stepping in to diffuse his hotheaded girlfriend, and alas, the entire room.

We all need to take a moment. Can we at least agree to that? He stated, nodding to innocent Piper as a grounding example. Piper almost exploded there because of us. If anything, can we keep it together for her sake? He turned to Hayden, wisely choosing his words. Your highness, you need to keep your sensibility. Outbursts like this will not help get her back.

It will do the exact opposite. Get us all killed. Tristan huffed, rolling his eyes.

Hayden sighed, clearly wanting to throttle Tristan, but thankfully also understanding that they needed him.

It won’t happen again. He turned to Tristan; his eyes clear once again. Unless prompted.

I am not going to risk my life, and consequently Liv’s, if you’re going to behave like a child. Tristan declared calmly; the subtle reprimand done tastefully to keep the peace. At least for the time being.

Even if all Hades breaks loose, I’ll still be able to handle that kidnapping traitor. Hayden challenged.

And Kronos? Tristan reminded him. You may be more powerful than Arlo, but did you forget about your ancestor? With his ancient magic and eternal knowledge? Tristan darkly smiled. Not a chance. And as much as I would love to witness that downfall, I suggest you don’t push your luck, princeling.

King. Hayden reminded him, disturbingly composed.

Well, at least they were acting more civil. Peyton rolled her eyes.

Tristan took a breath, before matching Hayden’s gaze. I’ll start calling you that when you start acting like one.

How dare you defy the king. Rei snarled, his eyes wide.

Well fuck. The only civil one in this room just turned. Peyton sighed, preparing to tap back into ringmaster, praying Piper would grow some balls to give her a well-deserved break.

"How dare you all coddle him?! Tristan pushed back. We all want her back. End of story. So, why is he the only one who’s allowed to lose his god-damned mind over it?"

There was silence. Nobody disagreed, even Hayden.

Grow up. Tristan stared Hayden down in conclusion, before turning to Peyton and Rei. Either accept my counsel, or don’t. I’m not going to risk my life knowing our plan will be a failure.

And with that, he ran out and slammed the door.

Piper turned to her friends with a weak shrug.

I’ll go. She offered with a sigh and then left the loft to put together the broken pieces.

LIV

Her brain felt foggy, immobile.

Liv focused on the cold stone freezing her cheek, offering the only solace to her aching, bruised body. Feeling numb offered reprieve so she tried to remain unconscious, disconnected to her reality, for as long as she could.

She wanted to move, but was afraid of the pain. Or worse, the discovery of no pain at all, a body truly broken and functional no more.

No.

Instead, she remained still, relishing in the comfort of the cool stone. Determined not to recognize how disparaging it was to only have the consolation of a floor tether her composure.

It was all she had.

She had nothing else.

When her consciousness eventually reached a fraction of clarity, her heart started beating fast, naturally recognizing the danger that dwelled in the surrounding darkness.

Just focus on the cool stone.

Liv’s mouth started to tremble; it was all she had to give. She scruntched her eyelids closed even tighter, begging it would help keep her determined resolve.

No. She reminded herself. No.

But her heart kept beating quickly. She tried to take a deep breath through her lungs, but after the first inhale, her bruised ribs ached, causing an unforeseen pressure on her right side to cut her breath immediately.

Liv coughed, causing more pain to spike through her right ribcage.

Smaller breaths.

Only able to hold the air for a moment, she attempted the coping mechanism again, and again, inhaling a short breath before gently exhaling through her nose.

If anything, she was grateful for the distraction.

TWO

PIPER

How could all of her friends disgustingly hate each other?

She needed Liv – her best friend was the only person to who this all made sense, who would have been able to reprimand and get everyone in line.

Or at least on the same plane.

Stupid.

Piper shook her head.

Liv wasn’t here.

Puerdios echoed of loneliness. As Piper hurried down the hall, it was as if she had been transported back in time, returning to a place unwelcoming to someone like her, someone who didn’t belong.

She felt worthless.

Only Liv understood that feeling and could appreciate the beauty of having friends.

Having one friend.

But the entire world that they had spent so long building was quickly crumbling, a kingdom breaking down as if Liv had never ruled, never existed.

Piper didn’t have her one friend anymore. What was she defending now?

Stop thinking like that.

She fought her conscience, a constant battle between insecurity and self-worth.

Don’t revert back to who you were.

Who you are. A voice reminded her.

Piper knew it would take longer than a couple months to combat a lifetime of being lame. So, she had to keep reminding herself that one battle took priority for now: the fight for Liv.

It was all she had.

She approached his door, bolted and intimidating; exactly how Tristan wanted the world to view him. She hoped that unlike her, he was still the same deity that Liv had transformed. She prayed he would listen to her and not cast her aside like he had always done before.

Piper gently knocked on the door, fiddling with her fingers as she looked around the shadowed halls. It was almost 180° SR, and the sun would set yet again.

Piper dreaded seeing the moonlight because it meant it would be almost morning again.

Almost five days since Liv had been captured.

And at least three more days, at minimum, until Liv could be rescued.

A chill crept down Piper’s spine as the door slowly creaked open.

Three days of godly torture easily equaled weeks of intense mortal torture, dark abuse mechanisms only the cruelest and evilest of beings could imagine. And who knew where Liv was in the process of transitioning from human to deity, how much her body could take before it crashed. Was she fully immortal yet or only temporarily able to withstand Kronos’s powers? Either outcome, they were losing the game against time.

Piper took a deep breath. She needed all the strength she could muster if she were to survive within the ruling society of the most powerful deities. Many of which were her close acquaintances, starting with the one she went to see now. She stared at the uninviting door, mentally preparing herself to accomplish what she came to achieve.

Stepping into the doorway, she quickly announced, It’s me. Piper, before gently closing the door.

Silence responded.

Piper took a step further.

Can I come in? She asked softly, surprised when her high-pitched voice echoed down the hallway.

Tristan peaked his head around the corner, looking a little stunned.

Of course. He breezily confirmed, waving her in.

Piper quickly walked to the kitchen area, finding Tristan steering toward his whisky bar.

He had changed out of his dirt-stained travel attire of black jeans, an ink collared shirt and brown leather jacket, showered, and now looked crisp in a plaid flannel and grey leather pants. Piper’s eyes went wide at the realization she was still in her torn, tarnished attire, most likely with her night sky choppy bob looking unruly and uncaged. She quietly commanded, Cristam, and quickly added, Emendo, to first return her snarly hair back to silk and then stitch her blazer-turned-vest into a newly altered garment. She had started whispering, Detergeo, to quickly clean her body and dust her clothes, but instead jumped and accomplished nothing at the sound of Tristan’s voice. Fortunately, he was facing the cabinet when Piper reacted to the noise, but she had an inclination it was only to save her from further embarrassment.

Usually my friends aren’t as polite as you, Piper. They barge in and ask for forgiveness later. He turned back to his guest, Can I interest you in a drink?

Piper looked first at Tristan, then registered what he had asked, so followed her gaze to the cabinet full of golden liquid, dread penetrating her core as she tried to ignore the terrible memories of drinking whisky and combat her urge to run away.

Finally, she squeaked, Sure.

Be there for him. Be strong. She reminded herself.

Tristan tried to contain his laughter at the sight, but failed.

Not a fan of the dram? He hollered with a grin.

Piper smiled shyly as she tried to compose her reasoning, Not particularly. I’ve only had a couple though… with Liv.

As soon as she said the name aloud, she regretted it.

It clearly pained both of them to hear Liv’s name in memory.

Tristan finally broke the silence.

You’re a good friend. He nodded and grabbed two whisky glasses and a wine glass. I’ll make us Old Fashioneds, and if you still don’t care for the taste, I have a red wine bottle that one might call, ‘the deep stuff,’ for you.

Thanks. Piper smiled, finally sitting down at the counter bar with a kind smile.

Tristan lit the fireplace across the room while summoning all of the ingredients needed for his alcoholic potion. He began peeling the orange and nodded to the bottle of Four Roses he had sitting on the counter for Piper to study.

The key to a good Old Fashioned is selection and precision. You need to know the right whiskey to use – not too fancy or complicated where it’ll hinder the taste, but not too weak that the flavors will be overtaken by the mixers and become lost in the final product.

You make concocting cocktails sound like war strategy. Piper joked shyly, grabbing the bottle and reading about the whiskey.

You’ll learn that with my life, everything is strategy. Tristan laughed, but it didn’t genuinely deliver. A strategy for survival.

Piper put down the bottle. A bourbon from Kentucky… I take it you weren’t in the mood to sip on something Scotland-related?

Tristan shrugged, muddling a sugar cube with bitters.

I understand this world is brutal. Piper sighed, I, more than anybody. But don’t you see? You have us- Piper paused, correcting herself. Me.

Tristan remained quiet, giving the timid girl time to find her platform. From the past four days together, he had learned only good came from listening to her genuinely and carefully constructed advice.

We’re all surviving, but you don’t have to strategize around us. We aren’t cruel, like Arlo or Kai.

You. Tristan clarified, plopping an ice cube into her drink and topping it off with the Kentucky bourbon. Liv… Zeus forbid anything happens to her before she’s back with us. He added an orange peel and repeated the same in his own glass, starting the following names with each added ingredient. Dylan, Zayne and Kyril.

He handed Piper her drink, ignoring her opposition as he clinked her glass and sipped.

And the jury says…?

Piper took a first sip, her palette shocked by the mix of citrus, spice, pear and maple syrup erupting in her mouth. With the second swig, her taste buds had adapted to the concoction, enjoying a sweeter, smoother finish.

Surprisingly good. She hummed, taking another sip, before continuing on with her argument. You know Peyton, Rei or Hayden wouldn’t do anything to deliberately hurt you.

Tristan contemplated the proposal with another sip of his own drink before countering, Peyton and Rei are loyal to Hayden. Hayden is loyal to Liv. Liv is the common denominator to our peaceful co-existence.

Peaceful? Piper challenged with a huff, taking another sip.

Tristan laughed, genuinely this time.

Liv is loyal to me, as I am to her. Tristan’s voice turned melancholy with his explanation of the circumstantial reality of their situation, If Liv is out of the equation, Hayden’s tolerance turns, and Peyton and Rei won’t lift a finger against his crusade against me.

The Old Fashioned was beginning to affect Piper’s conscience. Wanting to make the conversation a bit more lighthearted, like how her mind was feeling, she darkly joked, If Liv is out of the picture, you’re no longer a threat.

Tristan eyed Piper, acknowledging the risky assessment about his feelings toward her friend, but wanting to keep that buried where it needed to stay.

He finished his Old Fashioned, and before beginning the process of making the next, clarified, If Liv is out of the picture, then that means I failed.

Piper finished her drink in unison, sliding it back to Tristan’s working mini bar.

If Liv is out of the picture, Tristan, that means we all failed. You, me, Peyton, Rei and Hayden. She stood up, walked over to him and grabbed the orange before he could get to the fruit, and began peeling. We are a team. We do this as a team. Just like your drink and all of its ingredients. We work together and make this mission a damn delicious cocktail.

LIV

Hours later… perhaps days… or possibly no time passed at all, Liv stirred again, blinking her eyes as she woke to the smell of basil verveina, cedarwood, cardamom and leather.

Her body tensed and eyes went wide as she mentally cried.

No. No. Not again.

Liv gulped.

What torment was Hayden going to put her through this time?

After holding her breath, praying Zeus to spare her and imagining all the ways he could destroy her soul, she caught a stronger whiff of his fragrance.

She dreaded the smell, what it did to her. What he did to her.

The pain.

Hayden wasn’t the hero.

He was the enemy.

PIPER

Do you mind making three more of those cocktails and maybe inviting the Pure Gods into your territory? Piper asked after they had completed their second round of drinks. As much as I would love to just drink away our sorrows, there are some pretty important decisions to be made tonight.

Tristan eyed Piper before returning to his libation creations.

Well, at least he didn’t exactly decline the ask…

Holding her breath, she watched as he sauntered over once again to his liquor cabinet, this time grabbing three more cocktail glasses and bringing them back to the counter with a sigh.

There’s another orange in the refrigerator. He bluntly stated, before grabbing more whiskey and beginning the cocktail concocting again, three times over.

Thank you. Piper mouthed, tiptoeing across the kitchen to grab an orange.

Sorry, I’m being a dick. Tristan spat, sighing as he leaned against the counter. With everything going on, this should be the least concern, but today’s a traditionally hard day for me.

A traditionally hard day? Piper asked, placing the orange in front of Tristan, facing him directly with only the kitchen counter in between. Are 2’s typically your nemesis? A what’s-the-point, existential crisis sort of thing?

Tristan smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

Piper continued, Not-the-beginning-of-the-week, not the end, not the glorious hump day 3, nor 5-yay or even the eve of the weekend… should we all go back to sleep? Sleep through all future pointless 2’s? Am I right? I can probably get Hayden to make a royal proclamation…

Tristan broke into laughter. Piper mirrored his delight like a Vulcan Mirror.

Anything he needed.

Tristan wiped a tear of joy from his eye as he took a deep breath.

That was impressive, Piper. I didn’t realize you had it in you. He sighed, It feels odd to laugh about it. I haven’t been able to laugh about it for almost twenty years.

That’s a long grudge against 2. Piper added with a sincere smile, gently grabbing Tristan’s hand on the counter. What’s the real reason you’re upset?

Tristan looked at Piper, his façade dropping. He looked younger, more innocent, more vulnerable to pain as he remembered the reason for his outburst.

Unexpectedly, he first took a swig of the whiskey bottle near the counter, grimacing at the bold choice in shot.

Piper squeezed his hand, prodding him to share and not try to numb his pain. They’d never survive if everyone confined their struggles within.

Today’s my sister’s birthday. He finally whispered, staring at the kitchen counter, before solemnly clarifying, "Or, was my sister’s birthday."

Piper nodded in acknowledgement, Giselle.

Yeah. Giselle. Tristan confirmed, remaining quiet after.

The silence hovered over as memories of the Goddess of Water and her rustic beauty penetrated their minds. Piper and Tristan were both only infants when she disappeared, yet Piper could vividly remember when she had entered the Elements Pillar, lighting up the room with her stunning beauty and generous spirit. Her soul glistened like freshly fallen snow below a sparkling sun.

Tristan had nobody to remember his sister with – both of his parents had been sent to the Underworld by Kai and Arlo’s wrath, his grandmother’s death the same reason his sister mysteriously vanished quickly after.

Piper curled around the kitchen counter, grabbed the bottle of whiskey and poured two glasses respectively. And although she absolutely dreaded the taste of the liquid gold, she raised her glass in the air, Tristan following suit.

To Giselle. Piper declared, She was lost too soon, but may she prosper and find peace, wherever she be.

And with a warm smile, their eyes locked for a brief eternity, before Piper closed her lids and knocked back the drink, trying her best to maintain composure out of respect for the Underworld.

And to make sure she avoided giving Tristan any inclination to how miserable that ode to his sister actually felt, Piper immediately pulled Tristan into an embrace, hiding her alcohol-induced shivers.

Yet, that action was the best distraction from the whiskey shot Piper could have hoped for. She froze, wondering if Tristan was secretly freaking out internally like she was.

His arms wrapped firmly around her waist as he whispered, Thank you, Piper.

The vibrations from his voice sent chills down Piper’s spine. Thank Zeus Tristan held onto her for a moment longer, bringing her in for a tight hug and allowing her to recover her composure before letting go.

Right. Piper nodded with a forced smile, Now, time to round-up the Pures.

And with that, she departed. The smile dropping into a worried grimace as she ran down the hall.

Shit. Shit. Shit. What the Hades was that?!

When Piper arrived back with Hayden, Rei and Peyton, she was surprised and relieved to find Dylan, Kyril and Zayne at Tristan’s loft, too.

I’ve told them everything. Tristan admitted immediately. We need their intel. They’ve been closer to Arlo more recently than myself.

Hayden remained calm, to Piper’s relief.

What can you tell us? He asked politely.

Dylan eyed Tristan, almost as if asking permission to continue.

Tristan rolled his eyes, cutting in on her behalf. They’re loyal to Liv and the Elements Pillar, I’ll vouch for them. I’m not sure exactly how they can help yet, but as we determine a plan, it doesn’t hurt to have them here to provide insight and counsel to any ideas we propose as we finalize a course of action.

I’ll vouch for them too. Piper added, softly smiling to Tristan before turning her gratitude to his friends.

First, you should have told us Liv had been kidnapped. Dylan said tartly to both Piper and Tristan, ignoring Piper’s appreciation before turning to Hayden and adding earnestly, But now that we do know, we’re happy to help, however we can.

She pulled off her maroon fur coat and effortlessly laid it on the couch behind her, revealing her auburn locks gently curled over a sequined mosaic maxi-dress. She levitated the three glasses of Merlot that Tristan had poured, sending two to her friends and grabbing her own; the hue perfectly matching her lips as she took control of the glass.

There was another knock at the door.

All eight deities looked at each other with confusion.

Anybody else you’ve invited along on our rescue mission? Peyton sarcastically called out while walking to the door. Oprah? Heracles? The Pope?

The Goddess of Discovery couldn’t help but add with a Tristan-inspired mimic, "Over one thousand deities? That’s too many! Instead, I’ll invite… nine hundred ninety-nine deities in the room… nine hundred ninety-nine deities… take one down…interrogate it around… until there’s nine hundred ninety-eight deities in the room…"

But even her dry humor couldn’t mask her underlying edge. Aside from Silas, who else knew of Liv’s capture?

When she opened the door, Peyton sighed in relief, stopping her song in tandem.

We came as soon as we could. Daphne explained, Jocelyn following right behind her. They both looked worse for the wear too, with visible dark bags under both sets of eyes. Daphne wore a grey turtleneck sweater over a silk skirt. Jocelyn dazzled in a lavender lace gown and gold headband, albeit looking exhausted.

She’s been gone for more than four days, Mother! Hayden roared, exasperated.

Be thankful we arrived, at all. Jocelyn snapped back, falling into Tristan’s black leather couch and rubbing her temples as if she had a migraine.

Daphne remained stoic, standing tall and tilting her head, silencing both children in a heartbeat. After a moment of pause and when she understood everything was under control, Daphne walked over to her son to explain.

You know I had to play through every choice, every circumstance and every outcome before deciding whether or not to interfere.

Hayden started mirroring his sister, rubbing his head to keep his temper under control. Well, where is she? He finally asked, with a forced politeness. His agitation was growing, and it had been slim to begin with.

Daphne showed the first break of strength, looking to Tristan warily. She is where you suspect.

And where is that? Hayden reiterated.

Daphne turned to her son, pleading. You know I cannot tell you, or else I would.

So, you expect all of us to put Liv’s life in the hands of conveniently turned Pure Gods of recent?

Precisely. And not expecting it, but demanding it of you. Daphne confirmed, ignoring her son’s concerns. And Hayden, you do not want to command otherwise. As your mother, I am begging you.

Hayden stared at his mother, his jaw clenched, and finally huffed before taking a sip of his Old Fashioned.

Piper warily looked between mother and son, the dowager queen and king, and felt the tension in the air rising.

You know I would tell you if the result ended favorably, Daphne whispered. I implore you to trust me, and consequently, Liv’s appointed advisor.

Silence ensued as Hayden continued contemplating his mother’s words.

Deities were groomed not to trust other deities, for it usually ended in one’s demise. And the more powerful you were, the more others would be tempted to betray you. Sure, Piper was certainly struggling, but Zeus was she relieved not to be in Hayden’s position.

Can you just agree so we can get on with it?!

Jocelyn broke the silence, to Piper’s relief.

Hayden turned shockingly to his older sister, prompting her to explain with a yawn.

Processing the potential future is exhausting, never mind the trek to get here so urgently after. And we all need a break to rest before we dive into action. So, the sooner you agree, the sooner we can establish the plan and prepare for it accordingly.

Hayden sighed, looking to his mother, and finally nodded. He turned around to Tristan, Dylan, Kyril and Zayne, decision finally made.

We are at your disposal.

LIV

They had been drugging her.

Even that revelation took too long to string together. Her mind refused to contemplate the equivalent of the malicious action in the immortal sense any further.

She hadn’t compiled one coherent thought in a while.

It hurt her skull to even comprehend that.

Accepting her need to keep her eyes closed and conserve her strength, Liv powered through. This meant it was soon time for her captors to once again poison her, do whatever they were doing to keep her immobile, and soon.

She didn’t have much time left before she re-entered oblivion.

At the revelation and acceptance of her impending doom, one small tear slid down Liv’s cheek.

Avoiding panic, instead she tried to absorb any power she had to give, to preserve it, when a small twinkle flashed through her bracelet.

She saw home.

Liv managed to smile, delusion forcing her memory to glue the vision in her mind.

But she couldn’t remember it. She was too weak.

Liv fought again, draining one more ounce of power for the light. Sparingly used, but just enough for another twinkle.

Stars sparkled momentarily before falling off the wall.

Liv wasn’t able to absorb the stag’s crest before it disappeared.

She was so depleted. Another tear slid down her face as she closed her eyes and tried to imagine the crest that had just flashed across the wall, in hopes of remembering it for strength in the future.

For anything to leverage in the future, if she had one at all.

Liv knew it would require anything and everything to help her survive this battle, needing to be reminded of her little piece of home, purity among such dark savages in an unrecognizable world.

REI

Rei never thought he’d see the day that he, Elite of the Security Pillar, would be listening to Dark Gods for strategy and guidance in his position.

Did they count as Dark Gods if they supported a Pure Elite?

Their appearances certainly disqualified them from that luxury.

Rei studied Tristan, practically identical to his sister, Giselle. The only differences were their mischevious eyes, where his gleamed amber while hers had sparkled aquamarine, and being separated by shadowed hair where hers had shone.

He had once been tasked to protect her like he had been assigned Liv. Now, he had failed twice.

Rei shook his head, refusing to follow the dark path of regret. That didn’t bring Giselle back and it certainly would not bring Liv back, either.

The only difference was that he had survived Tristan’s scowls and mistrust over the years – for Tristan was a child at the beginning and a stranger in his adult years until this past season.

And now he was listening to this stranger-child’s advice.

But Hayden?

Rei would send himself to the Underworld, beg Hades to grant him entrance, before he allowed himself to exist with the mistrust of his brother, his king.

Peyton placed a warm hand on his shoulder, bringing him back to the room filled with leather, whiskey and anxiety. She knew how Tristan haunted him.

She raised a brow, insinuating the unspoken question – are you okay?

Rei gulped before nodding ‘yes’ but grabbed her hand anyways.

Holding it kept him anchored to the present, instead of running through a past filled with mistakes.

As we’ve agreed, the hardest part will be finding an entrance. Especially if trying to herd a large army of thousands. Kyril stated, pulling his hand out of his leather jacket’s pocket to accept a hot cup of coffee from Dylan.

It was almost sunrise. The deities had switched from whiskey and wine to coffee and tea.

Only Joss had slept. And even still, she tossed and turned in an angry slumber.

So, we keep the troops at a distance and send a limited search party to determine the exact whereabouts of the entrance. Peyton proposed, taking a sip of her latte.

Who goes in the search party? Rei agreed, taking a breath and hoping for dear Zeus, Hayden would accept what the majority ruled.

Tristan and Rei. Daphne interjected first. Her monotone decision acted as if she were back in a trance.

Everyone turned to Hayden except Tristan – his eyes remained on Rei.

Rei knew if Daphne had proactively participated, it was for a deliberate reason and opposing would ensure consequences. But he also knew her participation could not alter the natural response from others, so he had to express his hesitation either way.

Hayden began to object; Rei could see the angst swirling in the king’s mind. But before his highness could begin his deposition for being included in the search party, the Security Elite cut him off.

Daphne, if Kronos is residing with Arlo at the Dark Gods’ headquarters, surely Hayden should be present? His powers are the closest in match?

Rei saw Tristan roll his eyes in response, setting his reasonable demeanor on defense.

Kronos is the most powerful deity in our history. Do you think you could defeat him, Tristan?

Joss rolled up from the couch, lazily. If all goes to plan, neither Tristan or you will need to confront Kronos during this rescue.

If all goes to plan, Rei reiterated before adding sarcastically, "that sounds promising."

"If all does not go to plan, Tristan added with a challenge, I would be honored to sacrifice myself against Kronos on behalf of my Element Elite. You can run free, Rei."

Rei glared at Tristan, refusing to accept the bait, so added lightheartedly, And when you are inevitably sent to the Underworld, Tristan, I will happily step in and finish the job for you on behalf of your Element Elite, and Hayden, our king…we’ll serve crème brulee and whisky at your memorial.

Well, at least a ‘Hail Mary’ plan has been established. Tristan rebutted jokingly.

To others in the room, a kindhearted banter took place. Yet for these two, it rooted much deeper.

LIV

Did she actually have a hangover?

Liv groaned, although she really wanted to scream.

A hue of green penetrated the darkness of her mind.

Panic and terror filled her core to find out why.

Liv took a breath, focusing first on the cool stone against her pounding headache before opening her eye.

Her gaze followed the light to a pair of lantern green eyes.

A snake.

The eyes penetrated her own, burning the cornia before she slammed her lid closed. She was too weak to cover her head with her arm.

Her weakness would be her demise.

A bolt of pain grasped onto her skull and green filled the room, brighter, and demanding Liv’s attention, even through her masked sight.

The burn was constant, and after the shock of the initial intensity, Liv discovered it wasn’t much more than what she already felt, just another level of pain to tolerate.

Who was it?

The smell was familiar.

Liv had smelled it before.

Cardamom…

Trembling, Liv whispered, Who are you?

She wasn’t sure if she had meant to direct it loud enough for her captor to respond. She was past control of her thoughts, actions and bodily moment.

But as soon as she heard the voice vibrate toward her, she regretted the question, the uncontrollable wonder, immediately.

Melodically and seductively, the snake replied to her outburst with a low growl.

Your worst nightmare.

THREE

LIV

When the image of a lakeside cabin flashed in her mind, Liv silently screamed herself awake.

And when she came to consciousness, Liv saw green, the most terrifying green – an alert and a warning.

Not the serene green found in nature, painted on moss and crystalizing from fir trees, but a vibrant, cruel green – that of weeds, of a poison draining the plants and its roots into nothingness.

Liv yearned for blackness – any other desolate, dark hue would be preferred to this.

Monsters were angels in masks compared to this.

She felt a golden warmth from beyond, but she knew light would only bring pain.

Liv tried to lift her head only to drop it against the concrete floor immediately after, begging for the impact to knock her into the abyss again. But upon attempt, she couldn’t move an inch above the ground.

Instead, she crushed her eyelids together, fighting against the light.

Because now, Liv preferred the obscurity.

TRISTAN

Rei and Tristan had circled the last known landmark identified as the entrance to the Dark Gods’ quarters, confirmed true by Zayne’s use no more than three days ago.

Since then, it had been relocated.

With more Dark Gods proving untrustworthy, the frequency with which Arlo would want and be able to move the headquarters, especially with Kronos’s powers by his side, was unknown, becoming an endless chase.

They were so royally fucked.

After a sleepless night hosting more Pure Gods than Tristan ever wished to entertain under his roof, he had set off for Scotland once again.

This time, he brought more allies than he wanted.

Meaning all from the night before accompanied him but Peyton, who flew directly to Silas so the two could organize the troops and bring them across the Loch to set up camp.

Meaning after several tantrums from Hayden and promises made to the king to report back before any actions were taken, Rei and Tristan had finally ventured to investigate the standing stones and determine if Zayne’s reports were accurate.

Tristan originally hoped they would be able to establish an entrance and report back before the troops arrived. He had not stopped believing it was in their best interest to keep numbers small. But alas, now having failed to open the Dark God’s quarters, let alone find the entrance, his mind was shifting – perhaps they would need the bodies simply to re-locate the fortress in this mystical land.

He refused to believe that the world would become an optional development.

Tristan re-tied his grey and maroon plaid scarf around his neck, zipping his leather jacket up as the wind cursed against his skin. It was as if he heard Kronos’s personal whispers through the howling air, demanding he leave at once. He pulled his beanie down further over his ears as he walked over to Rei.

Any luck? Tristan asked out of social obligation; he already knew the answer.

Rei shook his head, before looking back one last time at the standing stones.

Tristan noticed Rei also received some sort of chill, or warning, because the Security Elite pulled his pale blue trench tighter before turning back and walking past him, away from the landmark. Tristan followed.

We’ll have to figure out a way to find the entrance, reveal it, and break through to the castle without alerting any guards. Tristan observed, trailing behind Rei down the hill. Clearly, I’ve been banned from the premise or worse it’s been relocated, but either way, those we can trust are no longer receiving the invitations to the Dark Gods’ headquarters.

So, what do you propose we do? Rei asked, still marching back toward camp.

Tristan picked up his pace to keep up with his conspirator before deliberating their next move.

We’ll need to inquire about the new location and determine where it’s located. Tristan considered aloud.

And if it still does not reveal itself? Rei challenged, yet again picking up his pace.

Tristan understood, so did not complain. They had wasted a day with this unsuccessful venture. They could not waste another.

A day, a minute, could be the difference between Liv existing in this world or the Under one.

Then we’ll need to find a Dark God to let us in. Tristan stated, although he did not like the last-resort option. With a sigh, he ran his hand through his messy ink hair and whispered doubtfully, But, Zeus knows who would be desperate enough for that…

Rei turned back with a smirk, a mischievous thought forming in his mind.

Cleo? If you or Hayden convinced her of your love. Or both. A simple ‘blame it on the hypnosis done by Liv’ should suffice...

Haha, funny. Tristan joked, rolling his eyes.

However, a pause comfortably settled into the land, long enough for Tristan to contemplate the absurd proposition.

She was his cousin, but they had been friends, genuine friends, to an extent outside of obligatory family relations. At least what he suspected was true on her end, since he always bore the guilty conscience of survival instincts as his true motive. And if not Cleo, perhaps one of her best friends, Elsa or Brie.

Tristan turned back to glance at the ancient standing stones one last time. The dark rocks planted horizontally into the ground looked ominous with the dark, cloudy sky surrounding the massive structures. They always represented terror, guise and despair, and for him, a cruel obligation to endure.

He was almost thankful they no longer symbolized the entrance. At least one terrible part of his life could remain in the past.

Don’t think that. Tristan scowled. Don’t be happy that we aren’t closer to helping Liv.

And that was the ongoing battle that would now take part in his head.

Could he return to the dark soul he once was for the sake of the pure woman he now loved?

LIV

Her eyes flittered half-open.

She looked around the darkness, trying to distinguish any clues to determine where she woke up but all she saw was black. She felt as if still in a deep sleep, a piece of herself somehow missing in this cruel dreamland.

Fighting the agony, Liv stretched her right arm, trying to reach something, anything, that might shed light to what was happening to her. Upon finding nothing, she took a breath and stretched her fingers out with a wince, hoping to find a wall to help guide her sight.

Had she always felt this way? Disoriented and with no memory of her days? It seemed a lifetime ago she had been at Puerdios with her friends. How she longed to once again reunite with Peyton, Rei, Piper and Tristan. Hades, she would even be thankful to be stuck in a classroom with Cleo, if it meant she didn’t reside in this darker version of the Underworld.

Something was missing. In this dungeon, she knew a piece of her was missing.

Obscurity blurred her thoughts when she tried to remember what part was lost.

She was so tired. Her head ached with her minimal thoughts, but she needed clarity.

Green eyes caught her attention. Whether in the flesh, an illusion or a memory, they flashed at the other end of the space – the cell.

Dark Gods.

Radical Dark Gods.

Like two buckles fastening together, something clicked. A bridge connected two distant lands over a sea.

This wasn’t a dream. This was a nightmare.

And with her obvious frailty, they must have been poisoning her – diluting her strength, her power, her being, her soul.

Could she cast a protective spell? At the first attempt, her head pounded as if she had been struck in the skull with a hammer.

Liv needed air. She needed to clear her mind. She needed a break from this never-ending hell.

She refused to look back toward the green eyes, because imaginary or not, she didn’t want to risk it if that magic was the influence to her weakness. But she knew there was nowhere else to look in the darkness.

Instead, Liv closed her eyes and imagined being outside, a sense of calm erupting as she pretended to lie in a hilly field under the night sky.

The clammy, cold stone faded away. She smelled the sweet scent of grass, forcing her body to believe it was gently supported by the earth’s terrain. With a soft breeze passing by, grasshoppers, crickets and birds softly chirped nature’s tune in the ambient background. And above her, sparkled the most mesmerizing artwork of all – stars and constellations painted in the sky – telling the stories of heroic deities and myths of the past with each pattern. Her favorite, the brightest star of all, shining so loudly so it could be the light Liv needed to guide her out of the darkness.

Liv gasped, eyes breaking open.

A connection.

She felt a connection.

A connection Liv didn’t realize was there before.

HAYDEN

Ollie.

Outside of his tent, looking at her constellation, Hayden could feel her.

She’s alive.

And he could locate her.

Liv’s in Scotland, near the Storr.

Hayden took his first true breath of relief since her capture. But the peace did not last long as he launched himself toward Rei’s juxtaposing tent immediately after.

Rei, Liv signaled to me. She’s near the Storr. I have her location now, we can send troops to rescue her...

Hayden, one moment. Rei yawned, motioning to light his quarters before standing up. You’ve located Liv? That’s great news.

With the light, Hayden could make out another sun-kissed blonde head in Rei’s bed.

Hayden coughed. Apologies, Peyton.

"We’ve been through way too much to qualify this as a flustered moment. Peyton replied unfazed, swiftly jumping out of her bed with a mocking smile, Feel better now, your majesty? Officially reporting for duty."

The Storr you said? Rei clarified, Did her signal include an entrance?

That’s not how it works. Hayden replied. But that’s where she is. We’re on the wrong island.

I’ll grab Tristan. Peyton offered, He might already know the entrance to that location.

She grabbed her navy and green tartan printed coat to cover her matching flannel pajamas and flew off into the night.

Peyton had only arrived that evening with Silas’s troops. He knew she was exhausted, they all were. Yet, he hoped this rush of adrenaline would help them push through another day.

Hayden sighed, anticipation building in his core as he sat down on Rei’s leather stool, near a mahogany wood table with maps of the world piled across it.

Rei took his cue and removed all maps but one. As Rei efficiently organized the spare maps back into the cabinet behind him, Hayden stared at the one that remained: Isle of the Skye.

Perhaps we don’t give Arlo enough credit. Rei stated dryly. Visiting the last-known camp is sleuth enough – we would have never expected them to return to a previous headquarters after vacating it.

This screams Kronos. Hayden replied, explaining with one concept as he tapped his head and whispered, Mindgames.

The two stared at the map in silence, both dreading the possibilities of what they could soon face.

Finally, Hayden exhaled, taking off his olive-green field jacket and revealing a grey henley that complemented his navy jeans and bronze combat boots. Sitting down, he massaged his temples trying to process the newest lead.

Care for coffee? Rei sighed, throwing on a mustard yellow sweater to cover his shirtless choice of sleepwear, although it matched his sweats of the same color. It’s going to be another long night.

Yes, thank you. Hayden whispered.

He could still feel Liv, a connection tying him to her – and yet it didn’t help his topography skills in the least. As Rei handed him a warm mug, Hayden continued penetrating any form of power down the line to his soul mate, whatever remained in his growing depletion, while still unsuccessfully trying to find the Storr on the map before him. If they would simply let him guide them to her…

Here. Peyton tapped, popping up from behind.

Why should I have even bothered searching without you? Hayden muttered with a sigh, smiling with appreciation. Thank you.

He looked around the room to find Tristan leaning across the table in his go-to leather jacket, accompanied by Piper peaking over his shoulder and wearing a metallic gold suit.

Even if it’s the same location, they’ve definitely created a different entrance for security measures. Tristan scoffed. Without that confirmed, our hands are strapped.

Silence filled the room.

Piper nudged Tristan.

… Your majesty. He added with a sneer.

Ignoring Tristan’s clearly heartfelt loyalty, Hayden returned his eyes to the map.

They moved their campground within three days. What if they continue to move at such a rapid pace? Now is our best chance of attack. Delusion spread over the king’s eyes as he repeatedly looked around the location for an entrance clue, a never-ending circle growing increasingly more frustrating with each round.

Hayden, don’t make Liv a new martyr to launch one thousand ships. Rei softly advised. Not today.

Hayden stared at Rei, knowing his Elite made a valid point. He couldn’t selfishly send his men on a suicide mission for Ollie. And worse, if the Dark Gods sensed an attack, they could easily send her to the Underworld in spite.

So we don’t send an army. Hayden conceded. Instead, we sneak into the fortress.

And how do you propose we do that, without knowledge of any entrance? Tristan challenged.

Well, it seems it’s time to prove yourself useful, Tristan.

PIPER

As soon as they had been dismissed, she chased after Tristan as he departed the tent. The wind howled, as if calling to wolves that would never come.

Hey. Hey! She squealed, trying to keep his pace. Tristan, wait!

Had her king just served Tristan a death wish? Was losing him really equivalent to an army squad?

She shook her head, aghast that she could have such a thought. Of course, one body was better than twenty – but Tristan, he was worth more than that.

His council and connections had to be worth more to them, she clarified in her mind.

She could feel the kettle ready to boil as she watched him simultaneously try to extinguish the flame as he paced ahead. Piper started jogging to clear the growing distance.

Finally running up to him, Piper grabbed his shoulder. Tristan…

He swung his arm to remove her grasp, but fortunately stopped to hear her out – or more so to see what she wanted.

Piper took a deep breath, trying to summon the courage to say something. To figure out how she may be able to help Tristan, or at least try and be there for her friend before he ventured off into the unknown. She gulped, ignoring her last thought that this might be the last time she saw him.

Unsteadily, Piper tried to lower her body to make eye contact with his gaze on the ground. When she caught it, she couldn’t help but shyly grin.

And oh, to see a spark of mischief sparkle in his eyes, made her sadly chuckle as she stood back up, bringing his gaze along with her to eye level.

Are you okay? She finally whispered, taking a cautious step toward him.

He allowed it, but his jaw tensed at the question. He looked off into the distance again.

Hey, Piper finally filled the space between him, pulling him into a hug. We’ll figure this out. We can handle this. She hoped her trembling voice sounded strong enough to mask the worry and fear. And she was too thankful he couldn’t see her wide eyes.

Piper, he whispered melodically, Piper, thank you.

He sighed and held her close. She felt protected within his arms – the worry seemed to fade away in his embrace. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and absorbing his scent – cinnamon and peat.

Piper could almost hear the soothing sound of a crackling fire emanating from his touch.

Tristan began to remove Piper’s arms from around his neck, But, you cannot come with me, this is something I must do on my own.

Piper’s eyes went wide again.

But what if Cleo-

Cleo can do many things. It’s not worth your time to craft up nightmares of the unknown. Tristan kept Piper’s hand in his own, radiating heat to burn her doubts away.

"If I’m there, even in the shadows, at least I could help if anything went wrong. Or, be aware of a starting point of where to look for you. Or know what happened, that something happened, if something happened..."

"You are starting to make me doubt my own powers. Do you really think I’ll be so badly equipped to protect myself against Cleo?" Tristan’s eyes sparkled with humor, but Piper could see that underneath was sooted kindling trying to remain strong.

I know you can defeat Cleo. Piper stated blankly. I worry that Cleo won’t remain true to her word and instead of meeting independently, may bring reinforcements to outnumber you…

That’s crafting up nightmares again Piper, which I thought we had already discussed.

Piper bit her lip, fighting against the insecurities that grew from her own self-doubt to worry for her friend.

Tristan put both hands on her shoulders, We both know the best way to find Cleo and get her to share the information we need is for me to go alone.

"I don’t have to be there when you meet up with her, Tristan…" Piper stared at the ground, knowing she wouldn’t get Tristan to change his mind, but needing to make sure she tried every angle and offered any alternative to convince him nonetheless, so she would have no doubts in her efforts if he never came back…

A gentle hand lifted her chin, fiery eyes met her glacier ones, melting them instantly.

In order to convince Cleo of anything Piper, I’m going to have to turn into someone I’m not proud of – a deity I don’t want you seeing or ever associating with me.

Tristan-

No, Piper. You don’t get it. I may have to push boundaries, do unthinkable things and say untrue words poisoned with darkness. I can’t have you see this side of me.

Piper darkly laughed.

Tristan cocked his head curiously.

I was only going to remind you that we’ve known each other for years, Tristan… so I already know that you can be a huge dick.

Tristan